Monk sues Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee even as Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) distances itself from his remark
Times of India | 21 May 2024
KOLKATA/BANKURA/BEHRAMPORE: Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) on Monday said it didn't endorse the "avoidable" statements made by its Beldanga unit chief Swami Pradiptananda against Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee even as the monk sent a legal notice to the CM and later took to the streets in Behrampore to protest against her.
A few hours after Banerjee singled out Swami Pradiptananda for being a "BJP stooge" while reiterating at an unscheduled public rally in Bankura that she had immense regard for BSS's work, seniors at BSS spoke of the "respect" that the order had for the CM.
Videos00:54Kejriwal’s Battle Cry: Vote 'Jhaddu' for Free Delhi10 hours ago00:54UP CM Yogi Adityanath: 'Aurangzeb's soul has entered Congress and SP '1 day ago00:59CM Kejriwal: BJP's Arrest Attempt Over Education Push Backfires!1 day ago03:00'Modi's Leadership...': Psephologist Dhananjay Joshi on Variables At Play In Elections 2014, 2019 And 20241 day ago03:282024 Elections: Can Swing Voters Impact Verdict? Are Bihar, Maharashtra Swing States? Sanjay Jha, Rahul Verma Weigh In1 day ago03:50"Will Modi-led NDA Repeat the 2019 Dream Run? Trends, Challenges, and Twists for Elections 2024"1 day ago15:42'Gaddar Sena': Uddhav Sena's Priyanka Chaturvedi On Maharashtra Vote; 'Less Than 23 Seats For BJP'1 day ago05:22‘Modi Ji, I’m Coming’ Arvind Kejriwal Declares ‘Jail Bharo’ Dare After Bibhav Kumar’s Arrest | Watch2 days ago00:59Bharti Blasts BJP: Calls for End to Divisive Politics and Focus on Substance2 days ago02:20'Vote To Save Democracy': Cong Leader Digvijaya Singh Warns Of 'Change In Constitution'2 days ago123456BSS principal secretary, headquarters, Swami Biswatmananda, told TOI that the order respected Banerjee "for the work she does for the poor". He added that Swami Pradiptananda's statements were made in his personal capacity and "not endorsed" by the order. "This should not have been said. It is unfortunate. No permission was sought from us (BSS headquarters). We will inquire into it," he said.
Swami Pradiptananda told reporters in Behrampore: "In my legal notice, I stated that the CM's false accusations have caused reactions among monks and devotees. (In the notice, I asked her to) provide proof for the allegations she made. Else, she should issue an unconditional apology."
He said Banerjee's comments were highly libellous and sought a reply in the next four days failing which he would take legal action.
At his protest march in the evening, Kartik Maharaj said: "All parties have cordial relations with me. Even TMC leaders have come to meet me. So did Congress and BJP leaders. In Beldanga, a section of people considers me to be their guardian. There is no politics in it."
"I had earlier provided legal assistance against the vandalism and looting of shops...in Suti area... I have taken to the streets against the TMC MLA's 70:30 statement," he said, referring to TMC MLA Humayun Kabir's communally divisive statement made recently. He added that the CM has shown "no role as the constitutional head in this matter. There is no hatred. I have the right to protect my religion".
Earlier, Banerjee said the Bankura rally was organised to "reply to the lies", alluding to PM Narendra Modi's speeches on Sunday and Monday. "I am not against Ramakrishna Mission. Why should I be against an institution and why should I even think of disrespecting an order? I had gone to see the (RKM) President Maharaj a few days back when he was unwell. That is not the issue. I have only spoken against one or two people," she said.